In a time where many types of hedonism are accessible, it’s no wonder we pressure ourselves to abstain: television, social media, video games, shopping, unhealthy foods, etc… We’re surrounded at every given moment with a quick fix to quench whatever hunger we feel. If you were apt to throw sex into that bathwater of quick fixes, be careful not to throw the baby out with it. Sex is a vital function to our well-being and survival. It’s in our DNA for it to elicit genetic benefits. Let’s look at some:
- Improves cluster headaches and migraines: Researchers believe this may be due to the endorphin rush that’s released as byproduct of sexual activity.
- In Women: Sex has great effects on incontinence, bladder control, and the pelvic floor muscles for women. Additionally, it reduces menstrual symptoms and protects against endometriosis.
- In Men: Having at least 4 orgasms a week had over a 30% reduction in prostate cancer. What’s more, one study indicated that men who had 2 orgasms a week (through penile-vaginal intercourse) decreased mortality by 50%!
- Improves Sleep: Sex releases an intimacy hormone called oxytocin. The same chemical responsible for attaching mother’s and their children. The same chemical responsible, in part, for falling in love and attachment. What they fail to mention is the positive effects Oxytocin has on restful sleep. Some benefits of adequate sleep include: more energy, better immunity function, and a longer lifespan.
Lastly, sex improves our immune systems! “In a study of immunity in people in romantic relationships, people who had frequent sex (one to two times a week) had more immunoglobulin A (IgA) in their saliva. People who had infrequent sex (less than once a week) had significantly less IgA.
IgA is the antibody that plays a role in preventing illnesses and is the first line of defense against human papillomavirus, or HPV. But, those who had sex more than three times a week had the same amount of IgA as those who had infrequent sex.” (https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex-health-benefits#health-benefits) This study suggests that having sex 1-2 times a week pumps up our immune system in the fight again illnesses, something vitally important right now. So grab your partner and do your civic duty in the fight against illness… Hop in bed!
Brooke Schaeffer
Wellness Educator
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